Yousif Elaidi, a bioengineering student from Northeastern University, is diversifying his experience beyond the confines of the laboratory. He has ventured into the dynamic world of management consulting, embracing the extensive travel, social engagement, and collaborative ideation that the field offers.
Embarking on a co-op with Wisdom Management Consultancy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Elaidi finds himself in a familiar yet transformed environment. With familial ties to Saudi Arabia, he returns to a nation that has undergone significant cultural and social changes, making it more open and vibrant than the one he recollects from his childhood.
Elaidi’s immersion in the business community at this international nexus is enhancing his ability to navigate diverse cultural landscapes in commerce. He acknowledges the variance in business practices across global regions, recognizing the importance of adapting to these differences to succeed.
The practical skills Elaidi is gaining are not just theoretical. They complement his entrepreneurial endeavors as the founder of Pharoah Collections, an athletic wear brand specializing in tracksuits and hooded sweatshirts. Managing his U.S.-based business remotely from Saudi Arabia poses its own set of challenges and learning opportunities, from financial management to creative design and logistical operations.
Elaidi applies his hands-on learning approach to both his business and consulting experiences, valuing the steep learning curve and the necessity to think on one’s feet—a skill he credits to his engineering education. In consulting, he finds that being thrown into the deep end is the best way to learn and build the essential technical skills required for success.